New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-09-13
READY FOR THE FIRST TRIAL.
VOLUNTEER AND MAYFLowER TO CONTEND


VOLUNTEER AND MAYFLOwER TO CONTEND
BOTH YACHTS OFF THE DRYDOCK HOPING FOR 4
LIVELY BREEZE.
Everything has been done to the Volunteer and
Mayhower that nautical skill and ingenuity can
suggest to make them 60 fast through the water,
and to-day they will sail the first of the trial races
that are to settle which of them shall defend the
Americas Cup against the Thistle. In the contest
between the Volunteer and Mayfower it is Bur-
CESS against Burgess-a Boston built boat against
Boston built boat. Whichever boat wins will be
greeted with the roar of mimic cannon, the shrill
footing of steam whistles and shouting and cheer
ing of all sorts that will 60 up from all Of
sailing craft and steam craft that will gather tbicky
about finish and doubtless hardly less hearty
will be the greeting that will be given to the
quished yacht for she will need consolation.
Yesterday mist stretched over everything and
disguised nearly everybody except the Scotchnen
on the Thistle, whom it reminded of their own
beloved land. But it did not dampen the entha-
siasm of those who gathered at Teboe's drydock to
see the Volunteer once more betake herself to her
proper element The yacht was foated off the dry
dock by the high tide at O'Clock. and like duck
in q pond she sat there for O while, while
Thistle stock went down and those that had bets
on the Volunteer and had been thinking of "hedg-
Iuk COuciuocu Iucy Woutuuts Dut Ii u miuuto
along came ugly, putting tug and lassoed the
beautiful Volunteer. and with q toot of triumph
disappeared with her in the mist Then those
gathered about the dock suddenly discovered that
the weather was dismal and nasty, and not to be
endured longer without liquid nOurishment. So
they dispersed.
Strange to say, nobody has yet devised any way
of making money out Of this dry dock show.
Is this creditabIe to American ingenuity and
thrift When the Volunteer next exhibited high
and dry, 1t Is safe to predict that some iinerant
venders will turn it to account in some fashion.
The Mayfower, which was on the screw dock at
Market-st., foated off about the same time as did
her younger but already much more famous sister.
and was similarly treated by clustering lIttl
tug. Last night the two rivals were at anchor
within stones throw of each other and logged up
and down responsive to the waves, which the wind
kicked up in lively manner. Captain Craven
eyed with satisfaction the indications that
there might be a strong wind on the
morrow. for the May6ower's people believe
that the harder it blows the better is their chance
against the Volunteer
Whats it going 10 be like Tomorrow" asked q
sailor on board of the old mariner who had rowed
q TRIBUNE reporter to the Mayfower.
II think there will be rafting good breeze"
swell, that is just what we WANT replied the
sailor casting glance to windward at the Volun-
teer.
Everything was quiet on the Mayfowcr; all tho
preparations for the fray had been COMPLETED and
there renamed nothing t. do but endure the sus-
sail the Mayhower on the plea OF pressure
of business" but 1t is suspected that be was rather
5 NE not I oeahe 70 aSe
though exceedingly fond of yacht-racing, IS nat
urally still fonder of sailing the boat that has tho
mands man the Volunteer, Is sort Of protege Of his
and it wouldn't be the pleasantest thing
for hlm to be beaten by his pupil. So
the Mayaower. will handle her wheel.
As yacht captain he has often shown conspicuous
ability and unti he assumed command of the May
flower his reputation was deservedy high. But
with the Mayhower he has had bad luck" and in
consequence many harsh things that were not de.
the races OF the New-York Yacht Club squadron in
lts eastern course the Mayti0wer was sailing with
a damaged centreboard and III the only race
that followed, after that damage had been
made good, the Mayfower was most shabby
treated by the hight airs that prevailed
or often failed to preva-in the first stage of the
contest. His position is moi an enviable one. III
the Mayfower loses-and In the estimation OF most
| yachtsmen the chances are that she willIhe Will
| be blamed by many people more than the boat.
Therefore, he is deserving of sympathy and consid-
The Volunteer and Mayfower have not yet met
IN anything stronger than a club topSail breeze.
Hence perhaps the feeling that the Maytower
stands better chance in hard blow; But that
feeling does not rest on any aaemonstrantea u,na
But But the Mayaower enters the contest
in tip-top condition. having in this respect
a little the advantage of the Volunteer. Some
changes to be made in the latter, which timo
did permit before the trial races aud they had
to be postponed. They are not Important how
ever, and might affect her sailing little or not at
ALL Those who are still sangulne of the success or
the Ma aytower pin their faith 10 the fact that the
Volunteer did not defeat the Puritan much worse
than did the Mayhower last year, and the May.
flower ought, IN these trial races TO be good deal
better than then.
At all events, it seems probable that
il will be close race and those
who 60 to see it will be well repaid for their trou-
BILE. Details of the course have already been pub
Ished. Ii is the inside course of the New-York
Yacht Club. The start Will take pl ace at 1880
a. M from an imaginary line OFT Owls Head, bay
Ridge. Through the courtesy of Commodore Gerry
the Americas Cup Committee and the New-IorS
Yacht Club Regatta Committee will go over tho
course In the Electra. Three or four excursion
steamers will accommodate those who care to
pay for the privilege. :,
The Thistle lay at anchor off Tom3kinsvie all
day surrounded by fog, mist aud RAIN Early IN the
morning preparations were made TO receive Mr. ana
Mrs. Bell, who We're hourly expected They came
at 1870 D. IN. and Immediately took up quarters on
the yacht, where they will remain until after the
cup races. From her deck Mr. and Mrs. Bell Will
something OF the trial race to-day for the IDis-
te will cruise down the Bay. Mr.. Watson will also
see the race. but he will probably go on the Mo-
hican, which will convey several OF the Scotch
delegation over the course.